Cablegate: Thailand Avian Influenza: Situation Report 1

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 005808

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR G
DEPT FOR EAP
USDA FOR FAS/DLP/HWETZEL AND FAS/ICD/LAIDIG
USDA/FAS/FAA/DYOUNG AND USDA/APHIS
DEPT ALSO PASS TO USAID/ANE/CLEMENTS AND GH/CARROLL
PARIS FOR FAS/AG MINISTER COUNSELOR/OIE
ROME FOR FAO

E.O. 12958:NA
TAGS: TBIO AMED CASC EAGR AMGT PGOV SOCI TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION REPORT 1

Animal Health

1. On August 31, 2005, the Royal Thai Government
(RTG) announced that it had detected another outbreak
of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry
in central Thailand (Ayutthaya and Kamphaeng Phet).
This new detection was made in so-called native
chickens (free ranging, backyard poultry). The RTG
reportedly responded by culling infected and suspected
poultry.

2. Three other HPAI outbreaks were detected in August
2005 in similar areas of Thailand and in similar types
of poultry raised in low-biosecurity situations. The
other August detections were in Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng
Phet and Suphan Buri. Detection dates were August 10,
18, and 19, 2005, involving 232 animals. There have
been no recent reports of HPAI infection in commercial
poultry operations and, as such, culling has been
limited to small household flocks with relatively few
animals.
3. RTG conducts what is known as "x-ray" surveillance
of the nations poultry flock, implying that inspection
goes down to the smallest village and rural community
level. These inspections are resource heavy and are
overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives' Department of Livestock Development
(MOAC, DLD). The recent August 2005 detections resulted
from this national x-ray campaign. Complete
depopulation of positive HPAI and suspected flocks is
called for under the Thai x-ray program.
4. Compensation for destroyed animals is determined
on a case-by-case basis with price discovery calculated
by a committee of village leaders and MOAC officials.
Variable may include type of animal, age of animal,
etc. MOAC/DLD reportedly has budget to compensate
owners of destroyed birds. DLD is also reportedly
ramping up national laboratory capacity for testing
samples from birds suspected of carrying HPAI. There
are eight national laboratories reported to have the
capacity to carry out the necessary tests to detect
HPAI in animals.
5. Owners of gaming birds must register fighting
cocks. Cock fighting arenas reportedly only allow
birds that are certified free from avian influenza to
enter these facilities.
6. Vaccination of poultry against HPAI is not
permitted in Thailand, although anecdotal reports
indicate that some poultry owners panicked and
vaccinated their birds with illegally imported
vaccines.

Human Health

7. Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) continues its
surveillance campaigns. MOPH recently investigated a
cluster of influenza-like illness that resulted in one
death. MOPH found influenza B in two of the cases and
are sending (with US/CDC assistance) autopsy specimens
and possibly other specimens to US/CDC for additional
testing.

8. There have been a total of 17 confirmed human HPAI
cases in Thailand with 12 HPAI human deaths. The most
recent human infection with HPAI was in October 2004.
9. Discussions are ongoing between WHO-Thailand and
MOPH on the idea of setting up a regional stockpile of
PPE and Tamiflu.

Arvizu

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